Professor Sumbuk is new acting UPNG VC, No increase in fees

The University of Papua New Guinea has a new acting vice chancellor, Professor Kenneth Sumbuk, and also announced that there will be no increase in tuition fees.
The announcement was made yesterday at a news conference at the Waigani campus following the directives set out by the Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology published both in the daily newspapers.
The appointment of Prof Sumbuk followed a special meeting by the university interim council yesterday per the term of reference set by the Minister Pila Niningi.
Mr Niningi had issued the directive to revoke the membership of the governing body of the university and set out a total of 16 terms of reference for the university interim council.
The appointment of Prof Sumbuk was per the first term reference.
Prof Sumbuk’s appointment took effect yesterday and will remain for 12 months or until the appointment of a permanent vice chancellor.
According to the university interim council, Prof Sumbuk was the former pro vice-chancellor of the university for many years.
“He is familiar with UPNG and the staff of the operation.
“He is best suited to facilitate the investigation and reviews being proposed by the government,” the members of the interim university council, who were appointed this week, said.
Also during the meeting yesterday, the interim council resolved to rescind an earlier council decision to increase tuition and boarding and lodging fees.
“Tuition and lodging and boarding fees for 2019 shall remain the same as the fee charged in 2018.
“Those who have paid the 2019 fee need not to worry as the university bursary will reconcile and notify the respective students concerned on the remedial actions to be taken by the management in due course, including reimbursement,” the interim council said. Post Courier/PNG Today